Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and has a ton of interesting features. We decided to again spend some time in the Keweenaw Peninsula and visit the towns of Houghton-Hancock and up north to Copper Harbor.












The Quincy Mine Hoist offered a fascinating tour of the copper industry that flourished here in the 1800s. The steam driven hoist that lowered miners almost two miles below the surface started here.












We, however, rode the midwest's only cog rail train down the mountain to the mine's seventh floor then took a trolley tour inside the mine.













Inside our tour guide showed us the workings of the mine. Interesting enough was the fact that the lower five levels of the mine are currently flooded.











Out again for a drive, we walked the shore of Lake Superior, known for Lake Superior agates. We found some pretty rocks, I don't think any of them were LS agates.









The peninsula is known for light houses and water falls...
















and pasties (past-ies), a wonderful hot beef dry stew inside a baked crust that miners could easily take into the mines. Ours came from Connie's Kitchen in Calumet and it proved to be a very tasty pasty!!

Manitowoc, WI

We've had a busy week here at the Monaco International Pre-Rally in Manitowoc, WI. We started out working the gate, checking in 191 Monaco coaches in three days. Then we played, ate, drank, did some seminars, made some crafts, did some line dancing, repaired or replaced some items on the coach--all in all kept very busy, but had a great time.

Our Monaco North Central group made a great showing at the rally and, of course, made for a great time.



It was especially great to have Jackie and Jerry parked next to us and to see them this far north. They are on their way to Nova Scotia after the rally.

The sun sets on Big Sandy

Tomorrow we leave the Minnesota summer--family and friends, grilling burgers on the pontoon, finding chanterelles in the woods, deer ticks and mosquitoes!!

We're off to Wisconsin and a Monaco Pre-Rally in Manitowoc.

Valley Fair

With one day open before Caryn and the boys flew back to Florida, Shayne and Sarah thought we should have a day of fun at Valley Fair. Again the weather cooperated and we hit the water park. All the kids enjoyed cooling off. Then we tried out the rides. Brayden liked the duck plane, Addy liked the roller coaster, and Rylan...







liked the stroller in the shade!!!

We love you, Mom!

Back to Iowa for the reviewal and funeral. We celebrated the life of a very wonderful woman. She was remembered by many friends and relatives.

It is always sad to say good-bye, but Mom lived a very good 91 years and knew that her future was in heaven. She had no regrets and was ready for a better life. She was an inspiration to us all.










A funeral is such a mixed blessing, missing one person, but seeing so many friends and relatives that one hasn't see for so long. Mitch had a chance to catch up with high school buddies and many cousins.


Macy and Addy

The Mitchell get together

We usually have a Mitchell get-together when Caryn comes to town, you know, eat and drink some more with the aunts and uncles and cousins. Greg was a great hit with the little ones.

Because Jason had to teach a cooking class on Thursday, he had to head back to Florida without the rest of the family and would be unable to attend Granny's funeral.

At the lake

The weather was great and the Floridians got used to the water. We played as much as we could.












Yup, we played and played.

We also celebrated my birthday, I was one day older than I was yesterday!!











Brayden also climbed to the top of the lookout tower which isn't too far from the cabin.